KEXP Reviews

This New York band continues to mature beautifully on their sixth album, an impeccably crafted set of widescreen indie-rock combining the anthemic power of classic U2 with occasional echoes of '50s doo wop, Buddy Holly, the Everly Brothers and other vintage signifiers of early rock & roll at its most warm-hearted. Produced in Seattle by Phil Ek, the album has a lush, warm and muscular sound featuring ringing electric guitars and strummed acoustics, glimmering organ and Hamilton Leithauser's now-gentler Dylanesque croon on big, open-hearted songs with gorgeous melodies and lyrics brimming with optimism, though occasionally undercut with some darkness. Fleet Foxes' Robin Pecknold contributes backing vocals to a few songs. 5/17/2012
- Don Yates